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July 2012 Archives

Printable Issue 2351  Today is Monday, July 2nd, 2012; Karen's Korner #2351
Not everywhere is it hot and dry, but it is here in north central Iowa; as it is many places around the United States.
 
To keep my gardens going, I am watering them every day.
 
It works but nothing is as good as what God does when 'waters the world' with His rains.
 
Like everything I might tackle, my efforts are feeble as compared to God's!
 
I believe that God wants us to do what we can, ask for His blessing, and expect Him to increase what we have attempted; and do for us, His Children, what we cannot do for ourselves.
 
God is amazing; His deeds are grandiose......as compared to ours.
 
We are blessed!
 
 
Dear Father God, thank You for the way that You love and care for us. Thank You for leading and guiding us. Thank You for Your provision and for Your increase. We pray for relief from heat which we are experiencing in many places in the United States. We ask that areas which are in need of rain will be watered. We have been blessed in the past; thank You for the blessings You have for us in the future. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 2352  Today is Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012; Karen's Korner #2352
A thought from the book "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris; he writes about giving and how God blesses givers.
 
He tells about stopping in the middle of a sermon saying, "You know what? I need someone to give me $100."
 
"Immediately, a man jumped up, came to the front and handed me a one-hundred-dollar bill. I stuck the bill in my pocket and continued right on with my sermon."
 
Morris went on to write, that he stopped his sermon again a few minutes later, "Let me tell you why that gentleman was so quick to bring me $100 without knowing why I needed it. Before the service, I gave him the one-hundred-dollar bill and told him I would ask for it during the service. I asked him to bring it up quickly when I asked for it."
 
He explained that 'the reason the man gave the money promptly when I asked for it was that it was mine in the first place. He experienced no grief, remorse, or emotional conflict about giving me the money. Because he knew it wasn't his."
 
"The same is true of everything we have. It is all God's, and we merely exercise stewardship over it. When we get God's perspective on money---when we understand that God owns it all---it is easy to give it when He asks for it. We give it to Him freely, and we don't grieve over it. We understand that it wasn't ours in the first place."
 
"From what the LORD has blessed you with,
you shall give to Him."
~Deuteronomy 15:14
 
***
Printable Issue 2353  Today is Wednesday, July 4th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2353
Happy 4th of July!
 
 
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE 
FLAG,
OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA ,

AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR
WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE
NATION UNDER  GOD
,

INDIVISIBLE,
WITH  LIBERTY
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL! 
 
**
 
God has blessed our country in the past,
may we choose to ask God to bless us in the future -
TOGETHER!
 
****
Printable Issue 2354  Today is Thursday, July 5th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2354
Forwarded to me by a friend via the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:

God still judges nations for their sins--just as He still judges individuals. The Bible is clear: "You may be sure that your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)... God hasn't changed over the centuries;  He is holy and pure, and whenever we scorn Him, we run the risk of incurring His judgment. Sin is an offense to Him...sin is a deliberate denial of God and His will for our lives. When we sin, we deliberately turn our backs on God and say our way is better than His. But we are wrong--and eventually we will pay the price. The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

The same is true of a nation that rejects God. When ancient Israel turned against God, the prophets warned that God's judgment would eventually come upon them--and it did. But God also warned that the surrounding nations would be judged too because they had no regard for God--and they were. Sometimes it happens in one great catastrophe; sometimes it happens in a series of smaller disasters and defeats. But it happens.

How long can a nation scorn God before He brings judgment upon them? Only God knows the answer--but His patience has its limits. Pray for our nation, that God will bring us back to Himself before it is too late--and let it begin with you, as you turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

There is always hope...because God is concerned about these things even more than we are, and He has the power to drive us to our knees and change our hearts if we will seek Him...The greatest spiritual revivals in the past occurred just when the situation seemed to be the darkest...

***

Printable Issue 2355  Today is Friday, July 6th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2355
Another poem by anonymous local writer:
 
I love my Lord and Savior
I praise His Holy Name
He is our True Redeemer
He will save us from earth's game.
 
He provides a new right life
God's Son died for all mankind
He'll forgive you your iniquities
Then your life becomes refined.
 
You can give your life to Jesus
He'll find you where you are
You don't have to search or travel
He's never very far.
 
He's waiting for you to realize
That life's choice of will is your own
But if you play earth's devilish games
You won't be living in Heaven's eternal home.
 
So decide for yourself
If you'll walk on streets of gold
Or is hell's fire and fury
Is what you will be doled.
 
As for me, I'm following our Lord
I'll speak of His returning
To follow where He leads me
Just seems to be discerning.
 
I'd love to have you come along
There is plenty for us all
Just put your trust in Jesus
And heed the Lord's Heavenly call.
 
~ Just M.E.
 
***
Printable Issue 2356  Today is Monday, July 9th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2356
I am continuing to read the book "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris. His whole book is talking about how Christians 'givers' are 'blessed" by God for their generosity. Morris writes from experiences, both his and others. Not just 'tippers' or ''tithers' (10% of their income). He refers to huge givers of much higher percentages of their incomes, being given away, as God leads them.
 
 "The Lord makes poor and makes rich.
He brings low and lifts up.
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the beggar from the ash heap."
~ I Samuel 2:7-8
 
*
 
*The generous soul will be made rich,
and he who waters will also be watered himself."
~ Proverbs 11:25
 
**
If it is God who blesses those who have learned His art of giving and receiving, should those (us?) who haven't learned that Godly-principle be envious of those who have?
 
Morris lists the 'classic signs of a believer with the gift of giving' (with a paragraph or two describing each point):
 
 People who have the gift of giving:
 
~ respond to strong visions with clear objectives;
`~ have discernment that allows them to determine genuine needs;
~ are very frugal but also very generous;
~ desire to be appreciated but not recognized;
~ want to invest in a stable ship, not a sinking ship;
~ don't want to control their money after they have given it;
~ don't want to be a Band-Aid--they want to be a cure;
~ want to give more than money--they want to give their time, their time, and their wisdom;
~ are often gifted leaders;
~  don't appreciate being put down or criticized for having a successful lifestyle.
 
When was the last time you wrote a note thanking some generous person, organization, or business for their contribution to a community fundraiser or for a gift/pay raise you have received recently? Someone who is the top of the 'gift giving' leader board for latest fund drive?
 
Who knows maybe your 'thank you' will prompt another 'gift' for you from God......and in the process change your heart and mind!
Printable Issue 2357  Today is Tuesday, July 10th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2357
A couple of wise God-thoughts from Max Lucado:
 

He Knows What We Need

 

“We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us.” Romans 8:26

 

You know, we really don’t know what to pray for, do we? What if God had answered every prayer that you ever prayed? Just think who you’d be married to. Just think where you’d be living. Just think what you’d be doing.

God loves us so much that sometimes he gives us what we need and not what we ask.

 

***

Don’t Be Afraid

 

Why are you afraid?  Is it the fear of losing your job?  Being sued?  The new kid on the block?  The clock of your life…ticking?

Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness.  We begin to wonder if God’s eyes are shut as ours grow wide.  For all the noise fear makes and room it takes, fear does little good. 

Fear never cured a disease.  Never saved a marriage.  Never saved a business.  Faith did that!

The one statement Jesus made more than any other in the Gospels was “Don’t be afraid.”  He says in Matthew 14:27, “Take courage, I am here.”  In John 14:1, he says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

Fear may fill our world, but it doesn’t have to fill our hearts.  It will always knock on the door—just don’t invite it in for dinner!

 

***

Printable Issue 2358  Today is Wednesday, July 11th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2358
"The Lord himself is my inheritance,
my prize.
He is my food and drink,
my highest joy!
 
He guards all that is mine.
He sees that I am given pleasant brooks and meadows
as my share!
 
What a wonderful inheritance!
I will bless the Lord who counsels me;
he gives me wisdom in the night.
He tells me what to do.
 
I am always thinking of the Lord;
and because He is so near.
I never need to stumble or to fall.
 
Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy.
 
~ Psalm 16:5 - 9 LB
 
**
Bible Commentary:
 
"It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them.
Instead, we should seek God's will first.
By constantly thinking about the Lord and his way of living,
we will gain insights that will help us make right decisions and live the way God desires.
 
God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life.
Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain,
trouble, and failure at times.
 
David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers.
Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth.
Those who seek after God,
however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right
and important in God's eyes.
 
***
Printable Issue 2359  Today is Thursday, July 12th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2359
Dear Father in Heaven,
 
today is a new day. And there are lots of things swirling in my thoughts. There are surgeries which are scheduled and doctors appointments in the future. How will things turn out?
 
There are people without jobs and homes; elections are pending. Some governments and rulers are unfair to their people. And we wonder!
 
Our area and portions of our country are facing challenges because of weather. What are we supposed to do?
 
You tell us in Your Word to trust You, to believe You, to follow You.....and to not worry about anything......to pray about everything! And since there isn't much I can do about health issues, the world situation, the economy, and rain for our immediate area. I am going to focus my attention today on You and Your care; Your love and the way You have taken care of me/us in the past.
 
I praise Your for today and I praise You for the way You will take care me; all of us in the future. I believe; help my unbelief!
 
In Jesus' Name.
 
Amen.
Printable Issue 2360  Today is Friday, July 13th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2360
"The Lord is my fort where I can enter and be safe;
no one can follow me in and slay me.
He is a rugged mountain where I can hide;
He is my Savior,
a rock where none can reach me,
and a tower of safety.
He is my shield.
He is like the strong horn of a mighty fighting bull."
 
~Psalm 18:2 & 3 LB
 
Bible Commentary on these two verses:
 
"God's protection of his people is limitless and can take on many forms.
David (writer of this Psalm) characterized God's care with six military symbols:
 
1) a fort or place of safety where the enemy can't follow;
2) a rugged mountain full of hiding places;
3) a rock that can't be penetrated by any who would harm us;
4) a tower high above our enemies;
5) a shield that comes between us and harm,
6) a horn to scare the enemy away or to warn us if he comes too close
 
If you need protection,
look to God."
 
***
Printable Issue 2361  Today is Monday, July 16th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2361
The Beginning and The End
 
The Bible records for us the beginning of the world and the end of the world.
The story of mankind,
from beginning to end---
from the fall into sin to the redemption of Christ and God's ultimate victory over evil---
is found in the pages of the Bible.
 
from GENESIS----through REVELATION
 
The sun is created------The sun is not needed
Satan is victorious-------Satan is defeated
Sin enters the human race-----Sin is banished
People run and hide from God------People are invited to live with God forever
People are cursed-------The curse is removed
Tears are shed, with sorrow for sin-------No more sin, no more tears or sorrow
The Garden and earth cursed-------God's city glorified, the earth is made new
The fruit from the Tree of Life is not to be eaten---------God's people may eat from the Tree of Life
Paradise is lost-----Paradise is regained
People are doomed to death-------Death is defeated, believers live forever with God
 
Taken from a graphic in Living Amplified Bible.
 
***
Printable Issue 2362  Today is Tuesday, July 17th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2362
Sunday was the last day of our local county fair, all except for the livestock sale which was yesterday.
 
Normally on Sunday, organizers host an outdoor mid-morning church service at one the stages on the fairgrounds. This year was no exception. An area church was billed with its praise team of musical worship; Kelly Kirstein, one of the members, gave a brief message in the mid-section.
 
Sometimes church sermons are 'one-of-a-kind', 'never heard that before', but most times we are being reminded of some things that get brushed aside in our minds. Kirstein highlighted a couple of things:  a book she had recently read "Not a Fan", becoming a 'follower of Jesus', not just a 'fan of His'; how some personal experiences had changed her life in the past handful of years; and how we should daily raise our hands - physically, or maybe mentally, to say to God, "I am yours. This day is yours. Do with it, and me, what you want!"
 
Then came the afternoon at the fair. I had a couple of 'to do' things. But a gap in the early afternoon. Good opportunity to get walk a handful of city blocks. As I walked farther from the fairgrounds and lost in some thoughts, I began to hear a faint, "Help! Help! Help!"
 
I continued to walk in the direction of the words. Because the cry was repeated so often, I began to think, "Is that a cat yelping?"
 
As I got closer, I found an older lady was lying on the ground near a couple steps of a home. "Please help me!" she said with much distress in her eyes. Together we struggled to get her feet back under her.
 
She had walked to a neighbor's home and tripped and fallen on their steps. "Just help me get back home," she said, as we turned and walked together.
 
As we pray to 'give our day to Him', we may be asked to fill the pleas of someone else to 'help! help! help!'; to help them 'get back on their feet'. We might be asked to 'walk with them back to their home', steadying them as they walk.
 
It might be an emotional, mental, or spiritual 'lift'.
 
And sometimes, like Sunday, it might be a physically hand up.
 
God just wants us available!
 
Dear Father, thank You for being part of my life, thank You for picking me up daily, for walking along with me. Thank You for using people like Kelly, and me, to do Your Will. Thank You for teaching me and allowing me to be part of Your forever team. Thank You for all the people in my life who pick me up on a regular basis. Amen.
 
Printable Issue 2363  Today is Wednesday, July 18th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2363
A subscribed daily inspirational thought sent to me recently by Cindy Schubert. It recounts the Bible verse about Mary and her sister, Martha. Since we have a local group known as the "Marys & Marthas", new insights on these six short verses are always welcome. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did:
 

Luke 10:38-42
While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me."

The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won't be taken away from her."

(Common English Bible)

 

Reflection 

I have a really good friend who hates this story. The fact that her name is Martha may have something to do with it. Most commentators and preachers polarize these two women. Mary is the devoted, holy one, the one who knows her priorities. Martha is the wayward one, because she frets about the food she will serve Jesus and wonders if there will be enough. My friend Martha is not only quite the cook but also a really devoted disciple of Jesus who happens to be gifted in acts of service. She'd be the one getting the sanctuary ready for worship. She would not be the one preaching. It is not hard to see why she dislikes the usual interpretations of this story.

What we don't readily realize when we read this text is that Jesus' support of Mary sitting at his feet and being taught by him was a radical, countercultural stance. Only men were expected and allowed to be taught by the rabbi. Learning and studying and listening to the teacher was men's work only, while cooking and cleaning and preparing to serve was the work of women. The cool thing about Jesus is that he doesn't bat an eye at the fact that Mary sits at his feet, wants to learn, and desires to be his disciple, too.

I don't believe Jesus is dismissing the need for service and practical hands-on tasks when he tells Martha she is distracted by many things. His reminder to Martha is that her tasks have become disconnected from the One who calls her to serve. His support of Mary's devotion is a statement that anyone can have access to Jesus and sit at his feet. Isn't it a privilege to have access to Jesus and to serve because of it?

Prayer     
Dear Lord, help me to live into discipleship. Enable my service to be grounded in you. And when I start to grumble, allow me to grumble to you, like Martha did, knowing that you value me. Amen.  

   

  Written by Judith L. Watt, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care  

 

***

Printable Issue 2364  Today is Thursday, July 19th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2364
I receive daily emails of 'good thoughts' written by Max Lucado. I save a bunch of them for future reference or to share with Karen's Korner readers. Normally I don't send out the one for the day, but choose to savor it a bit longer.
 
But today's was for me today; maybe for you. It is about WORRY, among other things, something I was born with or developed a learned behavior as I grew up. At any rate, I am described by my walking partner Margaret, as 'blue' on some testing scale.
 
As we face drought across our nation, if not our own backyards; upheaval in governments; unsure outcomes of elections; growing uncertainty of employment and a tug-of-war over money issues. Not to mention health dilemmas, either our own, our family's, or that of our neighbor....we can tend to WORRY. How will things turn out!
 
Lucado describes WORRY as a SIN. So we can confess it to God, but then what? WORRY some more!???
 
When I WORRY and would rather not, I tend to say to God: "I am WORRIED about ??? and I confess that I can't even handle that, so, God, I give you my WORRY." Then I go on to say, "If I was in control, I would"......and I tell God how I would handle the WORRY. Then I say (pray): "Thank You for Your answer." Sometimes the 'feeling' of WORRY goes away; sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, I start over and say it again......thank Him for His answers. Knowing that He knows best and is in control of every situation.
 
The Bible says (sort of me praying it back); 
"Don't worry about anything.
Instead pray about everything.
Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers.
If you do this you will experience God's peace which is far greater than the human mind can understand." 
~ Philippians 4:6,7.
 
 
Now from Max:
 

Lavish Grace
Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Worry is falling short on faith.  Impatience is falling short on kindness.  The critical spirit falls short on love.

So, how often do you sin, hmm… in an hour?  For the sake of discussion, let’s say ten times an hour.  Ten sins an hour, times sixteen waking hours, times 365 days a year, times the average life span of 74 years.  I’m rounding the total off to 4,300,000 sins per person!  How do you plan to pay God for your 4.3 million sin increments?  You’re swimming in an ocean of debt.

But God pardons the zillion sins of selfish humanity.  He forgives sixty million sin-filled days.  He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where He always wanted us to be.  And He did it by the grace of Jesus Christ.

***

Printable Issue 2365  Today is Friday, July 20th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2365
"Heart, body, and soul are filled with JOY."
~ Psalm 16:9
 
Bible Commentary on this one verse:
"David (writer of this Psalm) found the secret to joy.
True joy is far deeper than happiness;
joy can be felt even in the midst of
and in spite of one's deepest troubles.
 
Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances,
but joy is lasting
because it is based on God's presence within us.
 
As you contemplate his daily presence,
you will find contentment.
 
Don't base your life on circumstance,
but on God.
 
***
Printable Issue 2366  Today is Monday, July 23rd, 2012; Karen's Korner #2366
A daily devotional thought from Joel and Victoria Osteen:
 

Made Righteous

"For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous"
(Romans 5:19, NKJ)

Proverbs 28:1 tells us that “the righteous are as bold as a lion.” But the only way you’re going to have that kind of boldness is to know that you have been made righteous through Jesus. When you know who you are in Christ, when you know that God is smiling upon on you and that your sins are forgiven, then you’re going to hold your shoulders back and have the boldness and confidence that God really wants you to have.

Being righteous doesn’t mean that you’re perfect. It doesn’t mean that you don’t make mistakes. Righteousness is being in right standing with God. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have a desire to please Him, then you have been made righteous. You have been born into God’s very own family. You did not do anything to earn this righteousness, it’s simply a gift. Because of Jesus’ obedience to pay the price for our sin, we are made righteous through Him! Receive His gift of righteousness today so you can move forward in the boldness and victory He has for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to pay the penalty for my sin. As a believer in Jesus, I receive Your righteousness by faith today so that I can live in boldness and confidence all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

Printable Issue 2367  Today is Tuesday, July 24th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2367
We are in a sever drought in much of the United States and we don't like it.
 
I know it must be dry when I am allowing a few green weeds to remain in spots in some of my flower gardens because it adds 'color'.
 
Like everything in our lives, God has some things to say on our 'every day' matters:
 
"Don't be impatient.
 
Wait for the Lord,
and He will come and save you!
 
Be brave,
stouthearted
and
courageous.
 
Yes,
wait
and He will help you."
 
Bible Commentary:  Waiting on God is not easy. Often it seems that He isn't answering prayers or doesn't understand the urgency of our situation. That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for. Often God uses waiting to refresh, renew and teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach us in then.
 
PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, thank You for being our God. Forgive us for praying for what we need and want, more than worshipping You as God, Creator, Caregiver, Love-giver, full of Compassion. You have blessed us so much and so often; that's what we want. Not You. Show us how to want You more. Help us to focus on Your heart and not Your hand. Amen.
Printable Issue 2368  Today is Wednesday, July 25th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2368
Something written and emailed by Shirley Choat:
 
"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being,
praise His holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases."
~ Psalm 103:1-3
 
    David's praise focused on God's glorious deeds. It is easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God, He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desire, and gives righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. 
    Dear Friends, no matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings, past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read David's list.
 
There is a healing at the fountain,
Come behold the crimson tide,
Flowing down from Calvary's mountain
Where the prince of Glory died.
 
"LORD Our God, we thank You for allowing us to experience Your power. We thank You that we need not be occupied with material things only. We thank You that Your Spirit comes to our aid again and again. Grant that we may continue to have Your help, and let many hearts find what a grace it is that in spirit we may walk in heaven, even during this transitory life with all its foolish ways. Guide us that we may say with complete assurance that everything tormenting and burdening will pass by. We want to go joyfully and confidently toward Your kingdom, which continually gains in power. In Jesus' name, Amen."
 
Printable Issue 2369  Today is Thursday, July 26th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2369
A couple of thoughts from Max Lucado, who always has some good thoughts to share:
 

Don’t Miss the Headline

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

~ I Thessalonians 5:16

God notices the grateful heart!

Don’t miss the headline here.  God notices the grateful heart.

Does God have an ego problem?  No. But we do.  Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack, so we can see the blessings we possess.  Nothing blows the winter out of the day like a Caribbean breeze of thankfulness.

If you look long enough and hard enough, you’ll find something to bellyache about. So quit looking! Take your eyes off the weeds. Collect your blessings.

I Thessalonians 5:16 says “Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks—whatever happens.  That’s what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude is always an option.  Make it your default emotion—and you’ll find yourself giving thanks for the problems of life.

Impossible you say?  How do you know?  How do you know until you give every day a chance?

 

**

Do Something

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

 Matthew 5:6

Healing begins when you do something. God’s help is near and always available, but it’s given to those who seek it. Healing starts when you take a step.  God honors radical, risk-taking faith. 

When arks are built, lives are saved. When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble.

When staffs are raised, seas still open. When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed.

And when a garment is touched by the hand of an anemic woman in Galilee—Jesus stops!

He stops and responds. 

Compared to God’s part, our part is minuscule—but necessary. We don’t have to do much, but we do have to do something!  Faith with no effort is not faith at all!

Write a letter. Ask forgiveness.

Call a counselor. Call a mom!

Visit a doctor. Be baptized.

Feed a hungry person.

Pray. Teach. Go.

God honors radical, risk-taking faith. And He will respond.

****

 

Printable Issue 2370  Today is Friday, July 27th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2370
"And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts,
living within you as you trust in Him.
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love;
and may you be able to feel and understand,
as all God's children should,
how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is;
and to experience this love for yourselves,
though it is so great that you will never see the end of it
or fully know or understand it.
And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.
 
~ Ephesians 3:17 - 19 LB
 
A couple weeks ago Kara Curry who leads our women's ministry read this as our group met together.
 
It brought back memories. It was 13 years ago tomorrow that our daughter Merry was killed in a car/truck accident.
 
I was in the process of writing a third self-published devotional book titled "God's Love is Higher, Deeper, Wider". I had omitted the 'long' part in the title.
 
But as I read those powerful words in the few weeks following her death and the fact that it is talking about four dimensions (long, wide, deep, high), I knew that Merry was still included in 'that world' and 'ours'.
 
No matter what we may be going through, God is still part of it!
 
Thank You, God!
Printable Issue 2371  Today is Monday, July 30th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2371
The last poetry writing which was mailed to me by an 'anonymous' Christian person who is enjoying her new-found faith:
 
"The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and me.
Everywhere I go I find clovers in front of me.
Four leaf clovers I see.
The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and me.
 
"When I follow where He leads
I look down in praise and see.
The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and me.
 
"As long as four leaf clovers gild my way,
I feel I'm on the right path for me.
The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and me.
 
"Most of the clovers one finds have three
And that is the way it should be
One leaf for each of the Holy Trinity.
They are present every where you see.
 
"But when I find those with four leaves
Those are the clovers...
The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and me.
 
~ Anonymous
 
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Printable Issue 2372  Today is Tuesday, July 31st, 2012; Karen's Korner #2372
 
"In Praise of God's Goodness"
 
Psalm 34:1 - 10
Good News Translation
   
    "I will always thank the Lord;
      I will never stop praising him.
 I will praise him for what he has done;
      may all who are oppressed listen and be glad!
 Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness;
      let us praise his name together!

 "I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me;
      he freed me from all my fears.
 The oppressed look to him and are glad;
      they will never be disappointed.
 The helpless call to him, and he answers;
      he saves them from all their troubles.
His angel guards those who honor the Lord
      and rescues them from danger.

 "Find out for yourself how good the Lord is.
      Happy are those who find safety with him.
 Honor the Lord, all his people;
      those who obey him have all they need.
 Even lions go hungry for lack of food,
      but those who obey the Lord lack nothing good."

 
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